Skin care lotion



a specific purpose.

United States Patent C) 3,062,721 SKIN CARE LOTION Lorene Grigsby Grate, 2370 SW. 17th Terrace, Miami, Fla. No Drawing. Filed Mar. 20, 1957, Ser. No. 647,219 8 Claims. (Cl. 167-91) The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition, and more particularly, to a skin care lotion.

As is well known, there are a number of skin care lotions on the market each formulated to accomplish Such skin lotions are not sold under prescription ordinarily and on many occasions the purchaser may not really know the nature of the skin disorder or irregularity which the purchaser expects to correct by the use of a given skin care lotion. In View of this a purchaser may obtain a skin care lotion which is wholly unsatisfactory or useless for the purpose intended.

For example, certain lotions are formulated primarily for use as skin cleansers. Others are intended for use as skin stimulants which refine the pores in the skin. Some lotions function primarily as skin lubricants which serve to correct certain natural processes in the skin with respect to lubrication. Others function primarily as a deodorant. Astringent lotions are also used to tone and tighten the skin. In most instances any one of such compositions is not suitable for the other purposes just specified.

The instant invention resides in the discovery of a lotion which is capable of carrying out each of the functions specified in the previous paragraph. This is accomplished by the use of a number of essential ingredients which are compatible and which function in combination with each other so as to accomplish these various purposes most advantageously and safely. The individual essential ingredients do not function as individuals in this composition, but rather function in combination with various other ingredients present to accomplish the various desired results. The effect is synergistic. Certain ingredients are incorporated primarily for carrying out a particular function but the synergistic effect resulting from their use in combination with various other essential ingredients is superior to the effect which could be obtained by using such individual ingredient alone.

In addition, the composition of the instant invention has certain other beneficial properties and uses. For example, it may be used as an antiseptic because of its ermicidal properties, and the composition promotes healing, particularly in the case of insect bites and minor cuts. The composition also may be used to correct certain skin diseases 'such as acne, eczema, ringworm, etc. The instant composition is also effective as an after-shave lotion and is particularly effective for the treament of burns and sunburn.

Although it will be appreciated that the instant skin lotion can be used per se for a number of advantageous purposes, it will also be appreciated that it is primarily a cosmetic base and it can be used in conjunction with other cosmetics such as lip and cheek coloring and the like.

It is, therefore, an important object of the instant invention to provide an improved cosmetic base composition, and more particularly, an improved skin care lotion.

Still another object of the instant invention is to provide an improved cosmetic composition having useful properties as a skin cleanser, skin stimulant, astringent, skin lubricant and deodorant.

Yet a further object of the instant invention is to provide an improved cosmetic base composition com- Patented Nov. 6, 1962 prising lecithin, borax, alfalfa, papain, aloe, sarsaparilla, and menthol, all in an aqueous C C alkanol solvent system.

Other and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed disclosure thereof.

In its more specific aspects the instant invention consists in a cosmetic base composition comprising 4 to 24 grains of lecithin, l to 4 grains of borax, 1 to 4 grains of alfalfa, 1 to 4 grains of papain, 1 to 4 grains of aloe, 1 to 4 grains of sarsap-arilla, 9 to 54 cc. of glycerol, 9 to 36 cc. of sorbitol, 9 to 54 cc. of propylene glycol, and 1.4 to 14 grains of menthol, all in 18 ounces of an aqueous C C alkanol solvent system, plus hexachlorophene in an amount equal to 2 to 5% of the composition. 1

The instant composition is a liquid composition wherein various essential ingredients are maintained dissolved or in finely divided suspension in an aqueous alcohol solvent system. The alcohol used may be ethanol or propanol (or isopropanol), so that it is an aqueous C -C alkanol solvent system. The proportions of ingredients hereinafter set forth are based on the composition comprising one ounce of the aqueous alcoholic solvent system. Using this one ounce as a basis, the amounts of the various other ingredients used are set forth hereinafter.

One of the essential ingredients in the instant composition is lecithin. Lecithin is a mixture of the diglycerides of stearic, palmitic and oleic acids, linked to the choline ester of phosphoric acid (approximate empirical formula: C H NO P). It is a Waxy nearly white mass when freshly made that is substantially insoluble in water but soluble in aqueous alcohol. Leci thin is derived from a number of sources, such as soy beans, corn, egg yolk, or the like. The amount of lecithin used may range from about 0.5 grain (at which a minimum effectiveness is obtained) to as much as about 3 grains per ounce of aqueous alcoholic solvent, which provides a substantially saturated solution in the instant composition. In preparing the instant composition the lecithin is added to the solvent and heated to -200 F., followed by cooling to room temperature, at which temperature any undissolved material may settle and be removed. Lecithin is a skin food and a superior skin softener because it so closely resembles the natural lecithin found in the human body that it actually supplements this material in the skin and penetrates deeply so as to facilitate the penetration of various other ingredients in the composition associated with the lecithin. It thus functions to tone the skin and also as a lubricant and an actual body supplement (in adding to the natural lecithin). The amount of lecithin used is preferably about 3 grains per ounce of solvent. Each of the subsequent ingredients is prepared in an individual solvent solution (in substantially the manner just described) and the solutions are ultimately mixed to form the desired composition.

Borax is also used in the practice of the instant invention. Borax combines the functions of cleansing the skin, softening the skin and acting as a deodorant. However, the function of borax is greatly enhanced by the presence of the lecithin which facilitates penetration of the borax into the pores of the skin so that it may carry out its various other functions. The amount of borax used may range from a minimum effective amount of approximately 0.5 grain to a maximum amount of about 2 grains per ounce of solvent.

Another ingredient used in the practice of the instant invention is alfalfa which, of course, is the extractible part of the alfalfa separated from the cellulosic body of the material. The extractible portion can be obtained by petroleum ether extraction, or even by extraction with the instant aqueous alcoholic solvent. This material contains natural vitamins and minerals as well as chlorophyll. Such vitamins and minerals are, of course, helpful in ordinary skin development and in the functioning of the natural processes associated with the skin. The chlorophyll functions as a healing agent and also as a deodorant. The chlorophyll thus cooperates with the borax to carry out the deodorant function; and the vitamins and minerals cooperate with the lecithin to provide skin food. The amount of alfalfa (extract) used is preferably that amount sufiicient to form a saturated solution in one ounce of the solvent, which is about 2 grains, but the amount used may range from this maximum amount to a minimum effective amount of about 0.5 grain per ounce.

Another essential ingredient used in the practice of the instant invention is papain. Papain is a commercially available product that is extracted from the juice of fruit and leaves of the papaya tree. Papaya is the fruit of a small very soft Wooded tree native to tropical America, particularly Puerto Rico, which fruit resembles a golden yellow melon. Papain is the enzyme extract from papaya juice. Although the potency of papain of commerce varies to some extent according to the process of preparation, it is generally understood that papain is a proteolytic enzyme that is capable of digesting many times its weight of proteinaceous material. In the practice of the instant invention the papain is used to break down foreign proteinaceous matter that may tend to clog the pores and thus provide deeper pore cleaning action. It also has healing action and is excellent for use with skin disorders such as acne. In its cleansing action in removing foreign proteinaceous material it functions to assist the permeation of the lecithin into the skin and also functions to assist the borax in its cleansing effect. Papain is also preferably used in a saturated solution of about 2 grains per ounce of solvent, but it may be used in effective amounts as little as 0.5 grain per ounce.

Still another product used in the instant composition to advantage is aloe. Aloe is commercially available as inspissated juice of leaves of Aloe perryi Baker. It has been known for internal use in medicine as a laxative. In the instant composition, however, one of its primary functions is the function of healing. Aloe tends to draw impurities and inflammation to the surface of the skin and promote immediate healing processes. In general it draws fluid accumulating at the sources of inflammation, burns, or other irritations from the skin and facilitates the healing thereof. It is also decidedly beneficial in skin diseases such as acne and it has been found to function uniquely in conjunction with papain in this respect. It also cooperates with the other healing agents in the composition to improve the overall healing effect. Aloe is also preferably used in a saturated solution of about 2 grains per ounce of solvent, preferably; but it may be used in effective amounts of as little as 0.5 grain per ounce of solvent.

Sarsaparilla is another medicinal herb used to advantage in the practice of the instant invention. This material contains certain natural hormones and thus supplements the natural deficiencies in the skin along with the lecithin and afalfa. This material is also used preferably in the form of a saturated solution of about 2 grains per ounce of solvent, although it may be used in elfective amounts of as little as 0.5 grain per ounce.

Still another essential ingredient used in the practice of the instant invention is menthol, which. provides stimulation for the skin and also has a healing and soothing action. It functions as an astringent which tones and tightens the skin and produces a pleasant cooling sensation to the skin upon application. In the instant composition menthol cooperates with lecithin and papain in effecting a deeper penetration of the pores so as to obtain an overall superior stimulation of the skin and an improved soothing action. Menthol may be used in the practice of the instant invention in amounts ranging from as little as about 5 grains per ounce to as much as about 50 grains per ounce of solvent.

If desired, perfumes, coloring ingredients, and the like may also'be added to the instant composition.

Although the composition contains a number of healing and antiseptic ingredients (particularly menthol for antiseptic purposes), it has been found particularly desirable to obtain a superior antiseptic and germicidal effect by the incorporation of from about 2 to about 5% of the composition of hexachlorophene, i.e., 2,2-methylenebis (3,4,6- trichlorophenol) OH OH that of any of the other ingredients in the composition used alone.

With respect to the aqueous alcoholic solvent system used, it will be appreciated that the alcohol and water in this system are computed so as to afford the best dissolving or dispersing action, but the general waterinsolubility of most of the ingredients used is such that the predominant ingredient employed is the alcohol in most instances. In instances wherein relatively smaller amounts of the various essential ingredients are used greater amounts of water can be used in the alcoholwater solvent system. Of course, also, the alcohol itself functions as an antiseptic. The ethanol used in the solvent system may be diluted with from 20% to of its weight, thus resulting in a solvent system within the range of about 52% aqueous ethanol to about 83% aqueous ethanol. The isopropanol used (which is commercially available as 30% aqueous isopropanol) may be diluted with from 30% to 70% water, which results in about 41 to 54% aqueous isopropanol.

A preferred formulation is as follows:

1 Menthol maybeadderl as such or premixed with solvent in a saturated solution of 50 gr./0z.; but only a small amount of additional solvent is required.

The solvent used (a total of approximately 18 oz.) is 70% ethanol and 30% water in this preferred formula; and the hexachlorophene is computed on the basis of 3% of the composition. Ranges of concentrations may be used as indicated:

Range (Total) Solvent,

Lecithin 4'24 gr 1.4-14 gr. 25% of composition.....

Hexachlorophe From the foregoing it will be seen that the range is ex-- pressed in gr. of the ingredient rather than in the oz. of solution (although the oz. of solution rather than the concentration of ingredient therein may be varied to obtain a corresponding result). For convenience here the ranges operable are expressed thus. As mentioned each ingredient is prepared or available as a solution in the solvent and these solutions are admixed as indicated. If, for example, the aloe is omitted, then the two oz. of solvent therewith is also omitted and the total solvent changes from 18%;; to 16% oz. The hexachlorophene addition is based on the total weight of the composition.

Another preferred formulation for use in the practice of the invention is the same as that just given, except that isopropanol replaces the ethanol. These compositions have been found to be particularly effective as skin care lotions.

I have further found that certain other ingredients may be used to great advantages in skin care lotions embodying all of the ingredients hereinbefore described adapted particularly for use with dry skin. In such instances I have found that polyalcohols such as glycerol, propylene glycol and sorbitol may be used to particular advantage; and also I have found that certain acylated glycerides may be used to advantage with or without the polyalcohols in such compositions for dry skin.

Glycerol and propylene glycol are polyalcohols that may be used interchangeably (or in admixture) in the practice of the instant invention to provide certain advantageous properties in the composition. These polyalcohols are particularly effective solvents and carriers for the other ingredients and facilitate the penetration thereof into the skin. They also cooperate with the other ingredients to provide superior emollient, and lubricant properties. Also, these materials function as a humectant to stimulate flow of blood in the region of the skin. Preferably these materials are used alone or in admixture with each other in amounts ranging from about 0.1 to about 3 cc. per ounce of final composition. The best results are obtained if the amount of glycerol and/or propylene glycol is 2 cc. per ounce of composition.

Sorbitol is also used in amounts ranging from 0.5 to 2 cc. per ounce of composition and this material can be used in addition to the glycerol or propylene glycol, or in place thereof. It functions as a polyalcohol, but it also has a softening or plasticizing effect resulting from the fact that it is normally a solid rather than a liquid. This material has a more lasting softening effect on the skin and it is advantageously applied in conjunction with the glycerol or propylene glycol for better penetration.

The amount of sorbitol used is preferably 1 cc. per ounce of composition.

Still another ingredient that can be used to advantage with dry skin (in conjunction with the other ingredients of the composition) is a glycerol ester wherein the glycerol is acylated with one mol of a C -C fatty acid and one to two mols of a C -C fatty acid. Examples include monoacetylated glycerol monostearate, diacetylated glycerol monostearate, diacetylated glycerol monopalmitate, monopropylated glycerol monopalmitate, and monoacetylated glycerol monolaurate. It has been found that these materials often dry skin and function in conjunction with the other materials in the instant composition to effectively retain moisture and oils in the skin so as to avoid the dryness in the skin. Such glycerides may be used in amounts ranging from 0.3 to 3 cc. per ounce of composition. The aforementioned formulations may be modified so as to be particularly satisfactory for use with dry skin by the addition thereto of the following (for each oz. of composition):

Cc. Glycerol 2 Sorbitol l Monoacetylated glycerol monostearate 1 3 Comparable results are obtained when the foregoing materials are replaced by the following:

I have found that compositions containing the basic ingredients herein specified form liquid preparations which, when applied to the skin, cleanse the skin more thoroughly than soap and water, cleansing creams and many other available cleansing compositions, particularly because of the deep pore action of the instant composition. In this respect, the new compositions differ from prior art cleansing compositions. In addition, the instant compositions leave no residue or film on the skin, contain no irritating alkalis or waxes which might deposit on the skin, or emulsifying agents typical of lotions which tend to clog the pores. In addition, the instant lotion stimulates the skin to impart the desired tone and tightness to the skin and avoid sagging tissues. The lubricating quality of the new composition is highly beneficial to proper skin care and this and the stimulating action serve to maintain a youthful firm appearance to the skin. The natural supplements or foods for the skin serve to stimulate the natural skin processes and further to assist in the function of the blood stream in carrying away waste materials. The astringent and stimulating action of the instant composition encourages the normal function of the oil glands to further assist in toning and tightening of the skin. The instant composition, in addition, provides antiseptic and germicidal effect which assists in healing and further provides a combination of ingredients which tends to reduce blemishes, minimize or eliminate acne or eczema and provide relief from insect bites and burns. As mentioned, the instant lotion may also be used as an after-shave lotion.

It will be understood that modifications and variations may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. A cosmetic base composition comprising 4 to 24 grains of lecithin, 1 to 4 grains of borax, 1 to 4 grains of alfalfa, 1 to 4 grains of papain, l to 4 grains of aloe, 1 to 4 grains of sarsaparilla, and 1.4 to 14 grains of menthol, all in 18 ounces of an aqueous C -C alkanol solvent system.

2. A cosmetic base composition comprising 4 to 24 grains of lecithin, l to 4 grains of borax, 1 to 4 grains of alfalfa, l to 4 grains of papain, 1 to 4 grains of aloe, 1 to 4 grains of sarsaparilla, 1.4 to 14 grains of menthol, all in 18 ounces of an aqueous C -C alkanol solvent system, plus hexachlorophene in an amount equal to 2 to 5% of the composition.

3. A cosmetic base composition comprising 4 to 24 grains of lecithin, 1 to 4 grains of borax, 1 to 4 grains of alfalfa, l to 4 grains of papain, 1 to 4 grains of aloe, l to 4 grains of sarsaparilla, 2 to 54 cc. of a polyalcohol of the class consisting of glycerol, and propylene glycol, 1.4 to 14 grains of menthol, all in 18 ounces of an aqueous C -C alkanol solvent system, plus hexachlorophene in an amount equal to 2 to 5% of the composition.

4. A cosmetic base composition comprising 4 to 24 grains of lecithin, l to 4 grains of borax, l to 4 grains of alfalfa, l to 4 grains of papain, 1 to 4 grains of aloe, 1 to 4 grains of sarsaparilla, 2 to 54 cc. of glycerol, and 1.4 to 14 grains of menthol, all in 18 ounces of an aqueous C -C alkanol solvent system.

5. A cosmetic base composition comprising 4 to 24 grains of lecithin, 1 to 4 grains of borax, 1 to 4 grains of alfalfa, l to 4 grains of papain, 1 to 4 grains of aloe, 1 to 4 grains of sarsaparilla, 9 to 36 cc. of sorbitol, and 1.4 to 14 grains of menthol, all in 18 ounces of an aqueous C -C alkanol solvent system.

6. A cosmetic base composition comprising 4 to 24 7 grains of lecithin, 1 to 4 grains of borax, 1 to 4 grains of alfalfa, 1 to 4 grains of papain, 1 to 4 grains of aloe, 1 m4 grains of sarsaparilla, 2 to 54 cc. of propylene glycol, and 1.4 to 14 grains of menthol, all in 18 ounces of an aqueous C -C alkanol solvent system.

7. A cosmetic base composition comprising 4 'to 24 grains of lecithin, 1 to 4 grains of borax, 1 t0 4 grains of alfalfa, 1 to 4 grains of papain, 1 to 4 grains of aloe, 1 to 4 grains of sarsaparilla, 5.4 to 54 cc. of glycerol acylated with one mol of C -C fatty acid and one to two mols of a C -C fatty acid, and 1.4 to 14 grains of menthol, all in 18 ounces of an aqueous C -C alkanol solvent system.

8. A cosmetic base composition comprising 4 to 24 grains of lecithin, 1 to 4 grains of borax, 1 to 4 grains of alfalfa, 1 to 4 grains of papain, 1 to 4 grains of aloe, 1 to 4 grains of sarsaparilla, 2 to 54 cc. of glycerol, 9 to 36 cc. of sorbitol, 5.4 to '54 cc. of glycerol acylated with one mol of C -C fatty acid and one to two mols of a C -C fatty acid, and 1.4 to 14 grains of menthol, all in 18 ounces of an aqueous C -C alkanol solvent system,

plus hexachlorophene in an amount equal to 2 to 5% of the composition.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Polk Ian. 27, 1880 Stillman Feb. 17, 1948 OTHER REFERENCES Kalish: Drug and Cos. lnd., July 1937, vol. 41, No. 1, page 53.

Traub: Surgery Gynecology, and Obstetrics, Aug. 1944, pages 205-207, 215-216.

Martindale and Wescott: The Extra Pharmocopoeia, vol. 1, 20th ed., H. K. Lewis, London, 1932, pages 531, 648.

Martindale: The Extra Pharmocopoeia, vol. 1, 22nd ed., The Pharmaceutical Press, London, 1941, pages 791, 900.

Wood: The Dispensatory of the U.S.A., 21st ed., J. B. Lippincott, Philadelphia, 1926, pages 527, 1123. 

1. A COSMETIC BASE COMPOSITION COMPRISING 4 TO 24 GRAINS OF LECITHIN, 1 TO 4 GRAINS OF BORAX, 1 TO 4 GRAINS OF ALFALFA, 1 TO 4 GRAINS OF PAPAIN, 1 TO 4 GRAINS OF ALOE, 1 TO 4 GRAINS OF SARSAPARILLA, AND 1.4 TO 14 GRAINS OF MENTHOL, ALL IN 18 OUNCES OF AN AQUEOUS C2-C3 ALKANOL SOLVENT SYSTEM. 